How to Measure for Window Treatments

Measuring for your new window treatments can seem like a daunting task, but it does not have to be a complicated process. All window treatment measurements are shown as width (your left to right measurement) by length (your top to bottom measurement). Measurements should be taken using a metal tape measure or a wooden yardstick. A fabric tape measure will not yield accurate measurements.

Determine Curtain Rod Placement.

The first step is to decide where you would like to hang your curtain rod: inside your window, on your window trim, or extended beyond the window trim. This is a matter of personal preference for most window treatments.

It is important to keep in mind the extension of the rod and placement if you would like for your drapery panels to fully clear your window opening. Rods are usually mounted between 1" to 4" beyond your window trim width and between 2" to 5" above your window trim.

Decide where you would like to place the brackets and measure the distance from bracket to bracket and record to the nearest 1/8".

Measuring For Valances

Most of our valances are rod pocket and can be mounted using a 2 1/2" flat rod or a 1" rod. All rod pocket sizes are noted in the valance description.

Valances can either be hung directly on your window trim or just an inch or so to either side of your window opening.

It is also important to determine the rod projection (how many inches the rod projects from the wall) needed as rods have varying projections: 2 1/2", 3 1/2", or 5 1/2". Depending on which projection you need, you will round this measurement up to 3", 4" or 6" when adding on to your width.

To determine if a flat or tailored valance style will fit your window, measure your rod face width and add in your rod projections. If your face width is 44" and your projections are 3", you will need to add 6" to your face width of 44". Your tailored valance should not be narrower than 50".

Some valance styles (particularly those with a header) are meant to be gathered on a rod. For these styles, calculate your rod face width plus rod projections and multiply 1.5 or 2 times the width. For a more full look multiply by 2, i.e. 50" x 2 = 100".

Measuring for Drapery Panels

Where you would like your curtains to fall, anywhere from the sill to the floor, is simply a matter of personal preference. To adjust the position of the curtain on your window, you can simply adjust the height of the rod.

To determine drapery length, measure from the top of the rod to where your panels will hang, i.e. sill, window apron, or floor. If you will be hanging your drapery panels using clip rings, measure from the bottom of the ring to where your panels will hang.